I wrote this post about a year ago and didn’t post it because I didn’t really feel like it provided enough value. I’ve decided to post it now with the hope that others might add to these thoughts with their own.

If you have read through the Bible before or maybe you are doing it now for the first time, you’ve noticed that when it comes to the genealogies, the descriptions of the ceremonies and sacrifices and also the references to locations in and around Israel, it can be hard to read and even harder to understand what they mean, and how they are relevant today.

Well, they are difficult and there are some good books that can help (see post on New Year’s resolutions) but since I just finished the Book of Numbers, I thought I would share a thought on the census data provided.

In Numbers chapter 1 and chapter 26, we hear about the first and second census of the Israelites. This is why the book is called Numbers. Here is what the numbers look like graphically:

I believe there are at least 3 things you should note from these numbers. First, the size of the family of Simeon dropped by over 63% in the 40 year period between the two census. Second, the family of Judah is the largest at both times. Finally, the family of Manasseh has the largest increase.

The question to ask is why? By looking at the history of the family, Jacob’s blessing and Moses blessing, we can find these answers and make Numbers more interesting at the same time!

Jacob’s blessing (or curse) on Simeon stated “I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel” – Genesis 49:6. This seems to be exactly what happened during these years.

Moses blessing (EnduringWord.com) – “The prophecy I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel (in Genesis 49:7) was given to both the tribes of Simeon and Levi. For the tribe of Levi it was a blessing, as they were scattered throughout the nation to minister to the people and to bring God’s word to the whole nation. For the tribe of Simeon, the scattering was a significant curse; they are not even mentioned among the tribes being blessed here.”

Jacob’s bless on Judah “You are he whom your brothers shall praise…as a lion…the sceptor shall not depart from Judah, not a lawgiver from between his feet…to Him shall be the obedience of the people…until Shiloh comes” Judah would be separated from the rest of Israel but had kingship even during the time of Daniel. out of line of Judah, came the Messiah.

This leaves Manasseh’s growth to explain. We do know that Jacob adopted both Ephraim and Manasseh but he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh. It was clear that both were blessed, although they would later both sin and be cursed. I can’t fully explain this growth, it might be best to look at both of Joseph’s sons together and understand that they were more in number than any other single tribe. Do you have a better explanation? Share in the comments!

Finally, this map from BibleCities.com really helped me picture the scene in my mind. Notice that Simeon is surrounded by Judah and would later be swollowed up by it. Also, notice the size of Manasseh. Finally, you will notice that the Levites received no inheritance.

I hope this helped put a little more context around the Book of Numbers and encouraged you to keep reading. Please let us know what you think in the comments! Thanks

A friend of mine asked me that yesterday. I told him that we are more than half way there (today is day 22). But we also talked about falling into the trap of journaling out of obligation. We both shared that we have a sense of relief once we have something written down. I told him that when I persevered and continued in quiet time and journaling, not out of obligation (I had met my obligation) but on my own – God rewarded me with insights I wouldn’t have received otherwise. He quickly responded, ‘Don’t try to make me feel guilty now!’. We both smiled.

If you are going through this journey with us – fantastic! My hope is not that you will become a person that journals daily, necessarily, but that you will realize the value of spending time with God and listening for His word. I pray that you gain a greater hunger for more of Him.

Why did we choose 40 days anyway!?

The period of 40 days is significant in the Bible and used multiple times. This included the 40 days and nights that it rained on Noah and the ark, the time Moses spent on the mountain, the numbers of days Goliath came out against the Israelites before David killed him, and especially the time Jesus fasted in the wilderness. This time is always a period of testing and trial, and it ends with a period of restoration, revival, or renewal.

May these 40 days, through December 21st, end with a period of restoration that makes the true meaning of Christmas that much more pronounced this year.

Today is day 16 of our 40 day challenge, how have you been doing? Why not write a comment here or tell us on our Facebook page. You can find us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/NYMensministry

God had been reminding me about Himself, that is who He is, and that He is trustworthy. I thought I would share this below, recent journal entry. I hope it blesses you!

God is in Control – Trust God, Follow Him

“Peter … said to Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘… what is that to you? You follow Me'” – John 21:21-22

“My eyes are on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me…” – Psalm 101:6

“Then the angel showed me the river of life rising from the throne of God and the lamb, and flowing crystal-clear. Down the middle of the city street, on either bank of the river were the trees of life, which bear twelve crops of fruit in a year, one in each month, and the leaves of which are cure for the nations. The curse of destruction will be abolished.” – Revelations 22:1-3

manualoflife.com

River of life is rising from the throne – Life originates from God

The water is crystal-clear, that is absolutely no imperfections

Abundant crops – twelve a year! Signifying God’s abundance!

Curse abolished – no destruction, satan has been destroyed

Tree of life – instead of being associated with the first sin, it is now the cure for all nations

Hymn – Open My Eyes that I May See – Clara Scott

Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of the truth you have for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
that will unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
Ready, My God, your will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit Divine!

Open my ears, that I may hear
Voices of truth you send me clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear,
Silently now I wait for thee,
Ready, my God, your will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit Divine!

Open my mouth and let me bear
Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with your children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for thee,
Ready, my God, your will to see.
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit Divine!

(Judgement on Judah)

“And in that day the Lord God of hosts called for weeping and for mourning, for baldness and for girding with sack cloth. But instead, joy and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating meat and drinking wine: ‘let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.'” – Isaiah 22:12-13

Lord, I ask that You open my eyes, as you did John’s in his writing of Revelations. May I not look at others to judge or to prevent your Your will but seek Your will for me! May I be sad and repent when I grieve You. May I celebrate when You are happy. May my life be a tree of life, supplied and nurtured by You, and a blessing to all that see, taste and are touched by it. May I be silent and humble before You. May I be ready to hear You and to act in Your name. May I be a joy to You. May Your eyes ever be on me.

Some time back I blogged about my many failed attempts to practice spiritual journaling. It was entitled Why I Don’t Journal: The Danger of Words and it was basically about how easy it is to practice self-deception and posture even in our journals. I found I used language as a tool to manage my life and keep me from God rather than become vulnerable to God.

My sub-point was that not all spiritual disciplines work for everyone, which is why we need so many. For much of my life, I’ve needed to practice silence before God more than journaling. My job required that I prepare to preach and teach multiple lessons each week, write bulletin articles, lead multiple meetings, and generally use words in a way that put me in a controlling position. Creating more words, more writing, was not helpful to me. I needed to shut up and listen.

Then something changed. Or maybe it was me that changed. Maybe it is because I’m not a preacher per se anymore. While I still do some preaching, I’m not writing new material every week, and I’m not upfront talking nearly as much. Other than my occasional blog entry, which takes a fraction of the time a sermon takes, I don’t put words together like I once did. Or maybe I’m in another season of life. I don’t know, but I’ve taken up journaling again and, for the first time since I was an undergraduate, I’m finding it a refreshing and life-producing way to connect with God.

It started by reading Brene Brown’s books. She suggested that people who live the fullest lives practice gratitude in an intentional way and suggested creating a gratitude journal. Then I attended our MRN board and staff retreat where Rhonda Lowry and Earl Lavender both talked about how journaling enriches their faith walk. I thought about it more and found myself drawn to the practice again.

So I bought a blank journal and starting carrying it around with me. I note something that happens for which I’m thankful. I write down any reflections from my daily time in the Word that seems like a prompting of the Spirit, a fresh idea, or insight. I note things that happen throughout the day that I want to remember or think about later. I record quotes from others or ideas people share I find helpful. I use the journal like a written memory (which is important now that I’ve misplaced my other one). I don’t require myself to use my journal in a slavish way. I write when I have something to write and leave it blank when I don’t. Most nights I jot down some reflections on the day. Some nights I’m too tired to write and start my morning by recording what I wake up pondering from the day before.

Why bother blogging about this? Well, I had a young preacher tell me my earlier blog entry was the reason he stopped journaling. That idea didn’t set well with me. My point wasn’t to discourage others from journaling, but merely to encourage people to embrace the spiritual practices that helped them and not assume we all need the same kinds of connection points with God. In addition, I wanted to reaffirm the understanding that different seasons of life require different habits and practices. Our ten year old daughter doesn’t need the same kind of work-out routine I do because she does gymnastics and is more active in general, not to mention younger. I can’t do the kind of work-out I did in my 30’s. My body can’t take it now. Our spiritual lives are similar. What we need changes as our life stage and circumstances change. If we are going to keep growing, we need to be learning, experimenting, observing others, imitating, modeling, and sharing life with others on the same journey. What did not help us at one stage of life may at another. The day you stop growing is the day you stop living.

So, I’m journaling again and loving it. It helps that I’m not trying to do it right. Nothing kills doing things well like trying to do them right. I also am not writing for posterity. I don’t need anyone else to find these journals and read them. My kids probably won’t ever pour over what I write to seek insights and inspiration. I’ve given up that silly pretension I once maintained with myself. I doubt anyone could read my journals even if they wanted to. My hand-writing is so bad it’s cryptic. This is for me and God. This helps me be more grateful, more mindful, and more faithful.

Don’t give up! You will face resistance in trying to spend time with God. The other day (day 2), I was attempting to spend time with God and the phone rang three different times, and our dog went crazy because someone came too close to our house. It was clear that satan didn’t want me to spend quiet time with the Lord. I persisted on this occasion but if you have missed a day, or haven’t started yet, why not start (or start again) tomorrow. Lamentations 3:21-23 says:

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

Journal Entry (Anonymous)

We will be posting entries that we have requested from people that are participating in this challenge throughout these 40 days. This is our first one from an anonymous person. I hope it is an encouragement to you.

Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scripture to be written for our learning: Grant me so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that I may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever, Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer)

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘let us go to the house of the Lord… For there are the thrones of judgement, the thrones of the house of David.” – Psalm 122:1,5

“Rejoice heart and soul… shout for joy … Look your King is approaching, he is vindicated and victorious” – Zechariah 9:9

“Tell it out among the nations: ‘The Lord is King! He has made the world so firm that it can not be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity.'” – Psalm 96:10

Your throne, O God, Endures for ever and ever – Psalm 45:1-10

Hallowed be thy name, Thy Kingdom come. They will be done on each as it is in heaven – The Lord’s Prayer

“You must go through the trial before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, by going through the trial you learn to know God better. God is working in us to reach His highest goals until His purpose and our purpose become one. (Conforming my will to His) – Oswald Chambers

And He will protect me through it –

“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” – Psalm 91:11

“If you had eyes to see, you would perceive a bodyguard of angels always attending every one of the blood bought family.” – C.H. Spurgeon

“I have been young and now I am old, but never have I seen the righteous forsaken, or their children begging bread” – Psalm 37:26

Lord, I’m fearful, I’m anxious, I’m depressed. I’m worried about both getting a job and finding a job. I worry equally about the smallest things like my schedule and big things like a friend’s sister in ICU. I feel helpless at times when it comes to my marriage, my ministry, and life in general.

I know you are on the throne but as all of the readers of the Bible need to heat it, so do I (today and probably everyday). I know you are working your will into my life and it’s hard, it feels like dying. I feel like a failure although I’m probably just mourning the loss of my will.

I know you will protect me; I just don’t always see you working. I have absolutely no evidence of your unfaithfulness. You have always been faithful. You can’t not be faithful.

I don’t know how to pray – I ask for a closer walk with You during these 40 days and I ask that it be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ very precious name. Amen.

I’m really excited that many people have told me that they want to commit to journaling for 40 days with us! I know God will bless the time we commit to being with Him.

We’ve decided to allow as much flexibility as possible. We encourage you to find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed then:

Pray – Ask God to quiet your mind of any worries or tasks that have to be done. Ask Him to be with you and to speak with you. “Come into His presence”

Scripture – God often talks through His scripture and He never talks contrary to it! You may want to follow a Bible plan or read the scripture for the coming Sunday. We have some recommendations below but this is entirely up to you.

Meditate / Journal – You may find yourself stopping midway through your Bible reading because a phrase or image struck you. Write it down; why did it resonate with you? Is there something going on in your life or a desire of your heart that you want to share with God?

One final thing to remember, our goal isn’t to finish a book, or read a lot of scripture in these 40 days although we may do some of both. It is to hear God and to ‘chase after Him’. To become more in tune with His voice and respond to His prompting.

Chasing After You

Someone shared this video with me recently and I think it is perfect for us, as we embark on ‘chasing after God’.

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Special Note for Community Bible Church members:

In Sunday’s Sermon, we saw from Psalm 55 some healthy ways of dealing with our negative emotions such as anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, depression. If you missed the sermon, you can watch it here: http://cbcnw.sermon.tv/

You can find scripture readings for each day of the week in the bulletin. Here are some questions for you to consider as you journal this week:

What stood out to you? Have you experienced any negative emotions lately? How did you deal with them? Did you pay attention to them? Can you pay attention to them now? What might God be trying to teach you about yourself or Him through them?

Price discount if you are part of the work team. Scholarships also available.

Logistics: The weekend starts with dinner on Thursday night at 7pm. Then Stephen Beck will give his first talk of the weekend.

Some people plan to come up on Friday which is perfectly fine. Please be aware that there is a program (breakfast, speaker, etc) from 8am until noon. Then we have the afternoon (after lunch until 5:30pm) free.

Car pooling is available. Just let me know when you plan to leave and I can team you up with someone. Thanks!

Questions: Contact us (NYMensMinistry@yahoo.com) or Bill Freeman at bfreeman@priorityone.org

From Mark 11:1-11: Jesus’ Triumphant Entry

Jesus entered Jerusalem with much fanfare and then he went back to Bethany (where he started in verse 1). In the world’s eyes, he made no progress but spiritually he fulfilled the scriptures of Zechariah 9:9 and 14:4

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!Behold, your King is coming to you;He is just and having salvation,Lowly and riding on a donkey,A colt, the foal of a donkey.” – Zechariah 9:9

“And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,Which faces Jerusalem on the east.
And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two,From east to west,Making a very large valley;Half of the mountain shall move toward the northAnd half of it toward the south.” – Zechariah 14:4

Reflection: Many times in our lives, we may feel that we are not going anywhere, as the world would define progress. Take heart, God may be using these times to grow you in an eternal way!

During Jesus’ triumphant entry, branches were used to create a red carpet for Him. The next day, as he traveled the same path, an unproductive fig tree was cursed.

Reflection: If we bear fruit, God will make us part of His glorious plan but if we are not, we will be cursed. Can your neighbors, family and friends see your fruit?

As Jesus entered Jerusalem the crowd shouted ‘Hosanna!’ Possible a different crowd shouted ‘Crucify Him!’ only days later. It was God that prompted the shouting on Jesus’ entry. As Jesus said, if they were quiet, even the rocks would cry out. (Luke 19:40) But it was the pharisees who prompted the crowd to shout crucify Him!

Reflection: Each day we have a choice to listen to the messages of the world (money, sex, power, etc.) or of God. Who are you following?!

Jesus didn’t have many possessions, at different times throughout the Gospels, he borrowed a colt, a boat, a room (for the last supper), and even His tomb was borrowed. All borrowed because he would not need any of them for long.

Reflection: If God, who didn’t need help from anyone, choose to ask others for contributions to His mission, shouldn’t we?